ORONO, Maine — The Houlton varsity football team improved to 2-0 on the season Friday evening with a 20-0 shutout over Orono in a weather-shortened game. The Shires are now the only undefeated squad in the Class D North Crabtree standings.
Officials halted the game with about 2 minutes remaining in the first quarter due to lightning. According to Houlton head coach Brian Reynolds, the game is official as both coaches agreed to call the game at that point.
“I’ve never been involved in something like that,” Reynolds said. “It’s not a forfeit, really because the score and stats count.”
For the second straight week, Houlton running back Seth Holston returned the game’s opening kick for a touchdown. Holston compiled 109 yards on four carries, including an 80-yard dash and two total touchdowns in just 10 minutes of action.
Houlton’s Ethan Carter rushes with the ball during a Sept. 1 game against Stearns in Houlton. The Shires beat Orono 20-0 on Friday, Sept. 9, to improve to 2-0. (Joseph Cyr)
Dan McNally gained 12 yards on two carries with a touchdown. Noah Reynolds also scored on a two-point conversion for the Shires.
Defensively, Shire Colby Callnan snagged an interception and returned it for 27 yards. Will Belyea led the team with two tackles.
Reynolds said Orono’s starting quarterback, center and right tackle were all injured in Friday’s game and unable to continue, which may have contributed to the Red Riots decision not to continue play.
Coming into the game, the coach said his goal was to see the Shires play more consistently.
“Our focus was to be consistent, and I think for the most part we were. We only ran seven offensive plays and scored on two of them so I’m happy about that,” the coach said. “Our offensive line did a heck of a job opening up holes for our running backs.”
Defensive penalties were an issue, however, which is something the coach plans to stress during practice this week.
“I think at one point we had four or five penalties in a row,” he said. “We just aren’t going to beat the better teams in our league if we continue to hand them yards via penalty.”
As nice as the victory was, coach Reynolds said the players will have their work cut out for them in practice this week. Houlton hosts Mattanawcook Academy Friday evening at 7 p.m.
“We have had a nice start to our season and have built on what we are trying to do every week,” he said. “Hosting MA this week will be the biggest game we have played in a couple years. A win this week will go a long way to define our season.”
